Metallic Bonding Notes

Metallic Bonding

• Definition: Metallic bonding results from the attraction between metal atoms and a sea of delocalized electrons.
• Unique Properties of Metals:
  • Excellent Electrical Conductors in solid state due to freely roaming electrons.
  • Thermal Conductivity attributed to mobile electrons.
  • Malleability: Ability to be hammered into thin sheets.
  • Ductility: Ability to be stretched into wires.
  • Shiny Appearance: Reflective properties from the interaction of light with delocalized electrons.

Electron-Sea Model

• Orbital Overlap: In metals, the outer energy level orbitals overlap, allowing electrons to move freely.
• Delocalization: Electrons do not belong to any specific atom but form a collective pool around metal atoms.

Bond Strength and Characteristics

• Metallic Bond Strength Factors:
  • Nuclear charge of metal atoms.
  • Amount of electrons in the electron sea.
• Entailpy of Vaporization: Energy absorbed to convert a substance into vapor at constant pressure.